Washington State - where the ocean meets the mountains!

Olympic National Park, Washington State

While we were sad to leave all the grandeur of Montana, at the same time we were excited to explore a new state for us in our journey across the USA.   Washington, the land where the mountains meet the ocean...two of our favorite natural features.  Excitement abounds!!  

Come join us on this journey...

Washington State - where the ocean meets the mountains!

As we travelled further northwest we experienced a lot more traffic & congestion, especially in the cities.   So we definitely had been spoiled by the slower, spread-out lands of South Dakota, Montana & Idaho.  Nonetheless, we were excited to get back to the call of the ocean waters, sands & breezes.  

But wait, I get ahead of myself...because the entire state of Washington, (from east to west), has so much to offer!

For instance, imagine our surprise as we first enter eastern Washington and low and behold it was not at all what we expected.  Whoa!  At first we thought we had gotten turned around and were back in South Dakota prairie land - or maybe even Texas!!  Because believe it or not, we were crossing dessert land which seemed to stretch for miles and miles (complete with dust devils kicking up small, dirt tornados).  What???

Eastern Washington (around Moses Lake)

Although in a beautiful, artistic way the occasional small, emerald-colored lake would suddenly appear in the midst of the dry, desert land.  (Just one of the many reminders along the way of what an awe-inspiring God we serve!!)  

All along the way we've welcomed the vast array of change in scenery - because this land of ours is truly an amazing testament and canvas of our Lord's creative power.  (And of course, truth be told, we especially welcome some of these long stretches of flat highway after hours of travels through mountainous terrain.) 

But it wasn't long until we approached central Washington, (where we planned our first stop in Leavenworth, WA),  and once again we were in complete awe of the magnificent Cascade Mountains.  

Leavenworth, it was so much fun walking around exploring this small, Bavarnian-style, mountain village...

Leavenworth, WA

In addition to the town, shops, and restaurants we also had the chance to explore a scenic waterfront park and several nature trails in this fabulous alpine town.  (See add'l pics in the link below).

Leaving Leavenworth we headed out towards the much anticipated coastal side of Washington.   

Anacortes, our next location, is a beautiful waterfront city located on Fidalgo Island in northwest Washington.  It is known as the gateway to the San Juan Islands, but - this city had much to offer in and of itself, including well renowned Deception Pass State Park on the Puget Sound.

Our campground, (once again a Native American Reservation), offered wonderful paved biking & walking trails, including a nice, long causeway over the bay.  Paths were lined with wild flowers, berries, or even forrest (filled with evergreens & firs) depending on which way you went.

As we crossed the causeway, during morning walks or afternoon bike rides, we often glimpsed seals or river otters playing nearby.  Not only did we experience mom and young ones playing throughout, one afternoon we actually experienced an otter crossing over the causeway (from one side to the other) directly in front of us.

A trip to the San Juan Islands was a "must see" on our list and we picked a beautiful, sunny day to tour the main Island.  Part of the fun was riding the ferry as a foot passenger.  These ferries are loaded with comfortable seating, tables, cafeteria, and outside decking.

We met G&G from Florida in the parking lot on our way in and were fortunate to meet back up with them on the ferry ride back.  We really enjoyed the conversation with this wonderful couple - learning of all their wonderful travels & experiences.  (She was originally from the South and he grew up in the Northwest).  Perhaps we will have the opportunity to meet up again during our visit to Seaside, Oregon (since we are both headed to the same area).

Lavender is apparently the thing in Washington, (besides Apples & Cherries), and that held true for San Juan.  Lavender & Alpaca farms were just some of the local attractions we were able to tour.  (Unfortunately, Keith has a strong aversion to the smell of lavender.  So needless to say I did not bring home any samples).

San Juan Islands

Sunday morning we once again had an opportunity to attend a great church service with a visiting pastor from Vancouver.  (The Anacortes church we visited was working with another Canadian church to support this young minister in a Vancouver church plant).

As we left Anacortes and headed for Port Angeles, we once again found ourselves ready to board our big rig, "beauty & the beast," onto a ferry.   Unfortunately, this is a really busy ferry and since we did not have prior reservations we were placed on a two hour standby.   Well let's look on the bright side...while sitting still in the middle of the road we didn't put a lot of miles on our vehicle that day.  LOL!

One of our highlights during this leg of the trip was a day trip to Victoria BC.   Such a beautiful province with lots of flowers, a magnificent harbor, outside restaurants, and even a Scottish castle to boot!  (Shout out to all my Scottish relatives & friends).   As we entered the  harbor area we were greeted by "dancing" water taxies; completely choreographed with rock and roll music.  (See add'l pics by clicking on the link provided below).

Victoria BC

During our journey through the great state of Washington, we also enjoyed two different visits to Olympic National Park (one in Port Angeles and the other in Hoodsport, WA).    We absolutely loved a 2 mile scenic hike on the Staircase loop in Hoodsport.  If you ever get the opportunity you must check out this enchanting trail.  (See add'l pics in the link provided below).

But we must warn you...  we have hiked through trails inhabited by bear, rattle snakes, and even alligators - but this one was absolutely a first!

WHOA -Cougar!  Complete with instructions on what to do if encountered!

We had the opportunity to visit a small church in Port Angeles that was absolutely one of the friendliest congregations that we have ever visited.  The singing was wonderful and the message delivered from the pulpit was so genuine and spirit-led that it lifted our hearts for days on end.  Such power & encouragement from a small congregation...speaks volumes!  And truly honors our Lord & Saviour.

As we headed for Hoodsport, WA on the infamous Hwy 101 it truly was beautiful even on this inland section of the highway.   But with the rolling hills and windy roads we soon found ourselves sitting in the same spot for 1 1/2 hours due to an accident (we were approximately 2 miles out from the accident).

Our trip through Washington state ended with a bang... as we found ourselves in the Mount St. Helens area and the opportunity to snap picture after picture.  

Mt Saint Helens

I will end with one short note...Washingtonians apparently love their roundabouts, but when you drive a 60 foot rig - well you don't particularly care for for them.   We also found that most campgrounds only have 30 amps (instead of 50 amps).  Basically that just translates to one air-conditioner verses two; but that worked out pretty well as it it not too hot, (compared to the South), and we were able to raise windows and enjoy the fresh flowing breezes. 

We can not leave Washington without pointing out one of our biggest finds in Washington State -  the unique Madrone trees.  In the summer these beautiful trees shed their dark-shingled bark and display such a pretty red, smooth colored trunk.  However, in the winter, their normal, protected bark is displayed - no different than any other trees.  (See pic in the link below).

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